Thomas Mayo
Recent books (2024)
Always Was,
Always Will Be
Publisher: Hardie Grant (September 2024)
cover design by Larrakia woman Jenna Lee
'Always Was, Always Will Be' was written as a reflection on the Voice referendum, Australia’s history of rejection of Indigenous rights, and as a message of hope.
Published in September 2024, leading up to the first anniversary of the failed Voice referendum ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ is essential reading for those who want to keep the positive momentum going and the number of allies growing.
This book is for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are ready to do everything they can to close the gap.
Our Flag, Our Story
Publisher: Magabala Books (May 2024)
co-authored with Bernard Namok Jr.
illustrations by award-winning artist Tori-Jay Mordey
The book tells the tale of the Torres Strait Islander Flag — a symbol of unity, shared identity and pride for all Torres Strait Islander people.
'Our Flag. Our Story' is narrated by Bernard Namok Jr, whose father, the late Bernard Namok, designed the flag.
Thomas Mayo co-authored this picture book with him. The book is aimed at young readers aged 5 to 12.
Contributions (2024)
Words to Sing the World Alive
A Celebration of First Nations Languages
Edited by Jasmin McGaughey / The Poets Voice
Publisher: UQP
More information
Words to Sing the World Alive celebrates First Nations languages from across the continent. Forty First Nation writers and thinkers, journalists and lawyers, artists and astronomers come together to reveal their favourite and significant words.
Words that evoke the power of childhood and the wonder of Country; that explore the essence of mother, of fire, of time. Words that are imbued with family and belonging, and that surprise with their connections.
Join contributors include Kim Scott, Tara June Winch, Daniel Browning, Terri Janke, Jeanine Leane, Nardi Simpson, Dan Bourchier, Ellen van Neerven, Alice Skye, Bruce Pascoe, Anita Heiss, Thomas Mayo, Evelyn Araluen, Claire G Coleman and Mykaela Saunders.
What's the Big Idea?
32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia
Publication Date: 1 December 2024
Edited by Anna Chang & Alice Grundy
Publisher: Australia Institute Press
The Australia Institute has spent the last 30 years producing research that matters. This anthology offers fresh thinking about climate action, how to safeguard our democracy, the importance of bravery in policymaking, and how to address some of the biggest issues of our day: from gender-based discrimination to the housing crisis; from our relationship with the United States to keeping cities cooler.
They asked leading thinkers from Australia and around the world to share a big idea for a better Australia, including Thomas May0.
The works in this inspiring volume serve as a reminder that the solutions are there. Australia just needs the courage to implement them.
